Sports · Basketball · 3 hrs ago
Hornets’ Kon Knueppel Nears Return From Hamstring Strain
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel is close to returning after a left hamstring strain kept him out of training camp, preseason and the first seven games.
The 21-year-old injured his left hamstring during an offseason workout and will miss Monday’s game against Detroit.
Coach Charles Lee said the return is near but did not give a specific date.
Knueppel has recently taken part in five-on-five practice, including drills with contact.
He was the fourth pick in last year’s draft and led the NBA in made three-pointers as a rookie.
His return could help a Hornets team that has begun the season 3-4 while dealing with injuries to several players.
Charlotte has exercised its option on Knueppel’s contract for the 2027-28 season, and the team’s next possible return dates mentioned are Wednesday in Brooklyn or Friday at home against Boston.
Kon Knueppel is nearing a return for the Charlotte Hornets after a left hamstring strain.
Coach Charles Lee said Knueppel’s return is “right around the corner” but did not give a date.
Knueppel missed training camp and the preseason and was set to miss his eighth straight game on Monday against Detroit.
He recently took part in five-on-five work, including drills involving contact.
The Hornets exercised their 2027/28 option on Knueppel, locking in his $11 million salary for next season.
- Who
- Kon Knueppel, a wing for the Charlotte Hornets.
- What
- He is nearing a return after a left hamstring strain. Coach Charles Lee did not specify when he will play.
- When
- He was set to miss his eighth straight game on Monday; a return date was not stated.
- Where
- Charlotte. The location of the offseason workout where he was injured was not stated.
- Why
- He is recovering from a left hamstring strain suffered during an offseason workout.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Knueppel suffered a left hamstring strain during a workout.
He did not participate as he recovered from the injury.
The Hornets exercised their 2027/28 option on Knueppel.
Knueppel went through his typical pregame routine but was set to miss his eighth straight game against Detroit.
- Injury
- Left hamstring strain
- Monday absence
- Eighth straight game
- Recent work
- Five-on-five drills, including taking contact
- 2027/28 option
- $11 million salary for next season
- 2026/27 record
- Hornets started 3-4
What people are saying
right around the corner
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Good injury news: Kon Knueppel is out warming up in his pregame slot. Usually the final step before the return. He also finished off his workout with a dunk. Would guess he may be available on Wednesday in Brooklyn. If not, then it's Friday vs. Boston.